How to cure thrush in women pills. Modern methods of treatment of candidiasis (thrush) in women

Despite the development modern medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, the issue of treating thrush in women is still relevant. Advertising in the media unequivocally "taught" everyone how and with what it is possible to treat many diseases, including candidiasis.

Such well-knownness has played a cruel joke with patients facing thrush - uncontrolled intake of antifungal drugs (tablets, suppositories, ointments) leads to the development of pathogen resistance to them, which means that each subsequent episode requires the selection of others.

Candidiasis is an infectious disease in which fungi of the genus Candida infect the genital mucosa. The prevalence of candidiasis is high, for reasons of seeking help from a gynecologist, thrush is in second place after bacvaginosis.

The immediate cause of the development of the disease is, of course, the presence of a fungus of the genus Candida on the mucous membrane of the vulva and vagina. However, if the body is healthy, the defenses are able to maintain the balance of microflora, the infection does not manifest itself. A number of factors contribute to the occurrence of thrush:

Exogenous, i.e. factors affecting the body from outside:

taking antibacterial drugs, it should be noted that the occurrence of thrush does not depend on either the duration of the course or the form used by patients. Undoubtedly, the longer the course of administration, the more women are at risk of developing thrush, but there is a category in which even one tablet is enough to activate the growth of fungi and the onset of symptoms of infection. From local forms, the occurrence of thrush is provoked by suppositories containing iodine, metronidazole and clindamycin.
microtrauma and other damage to the vaginal mucosa. Injury occurs when using aggressive detergents, spermicides, with the introduction of tampons, during intercourse, etc.
long-term use of hormonal drugs and cytostatics leads to a decrease in immunity, both systemic and local.
wide application oral contraceptives with a therapeutic and contraceptive purpose, especially with a high content of the estrogen component.
the emergence of resistance of fungi of the genus Candida to antifungal drugs due to uncontrolled use these drugs for symptoms similar to thrush, without laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis.
the ability of candida to change its biochemical properties depending on environmental conditions has been proven.

Endogenous causes, i.e. those that affect a woman from the inside:

diseases of the endocrine organs, especially diabetes. Also exacerbate the condition of the problem with the thyroid gland, ovarian dysfunction.
pregnancy and postpartum period.
chronic insufficiency of vitamins and microelements - iron deficiency anemia, insufficiency of B vitamins, vitamin C.
severe chronic diseases that weaken the defenses - hypertension, bronchial asthma, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (liver, gallbladder, dysbacteriosis, colitis).

The main goal of treatment is to remove the pathogen from the body.

The combination of clinical manifestations and laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis indicates that etiotropic treatment should be prescribed first of all, and only then can immunity be corrected and the vaginal microflora restored.

When prescribing treatment, it makes no sense to try to cover all the links of the process at once, this leads to polypharmacy and an unnecessary increase in the cost of treatment regimens for candidiasis.

Sometimes, in the treatment of inflammatory processes with antibiotics, specialists to prevent the development of candidiasis.

The drug has a fairly pronounced antifungal effect, but it should be remembered that it is not absorbed from the intestine, which means it cannot suppress the growth of the fungus anywhere except the intestinal lumen.

In the uncomplicated course of candidiasis, imidazole derivatives are widely used for intravaginal administration.

In pharmacies, they are represented by vaginal forms based on clotrimazole, miconazole, econazole, butoconazole, sertoconazole. Duration of admission can be from 1 to 7 days.

If there is a pronounced itching of the vulva, in addition to suppositories, ointment forms are used - an antifungal cream based on the same derivatives.

There are studies that prove that the effectiveness of antifungal therapy with imidazole derivatives does not depend on the duration of administration, but on the total dose received.

The drug nystatin, known for its antifungal properties, is not suitable for the treatment of uncomplicated candidiasis. A proven therapeutic effect is achieved only by using suppositories for 14 days.

With the help of this drug, it is possible with strict adherence to the treatment regimen.

For women who do not want to use vaginal forms of antifungal drugs, there are oral forms of triazoles - fluconazole, itraconazole. They are convenient for their multiplicity of reception.

If short-term treatment regimens are ineffective, treatment tactics are reviewed, longer treatment regimens are selected, often in combination with drugs from other groups.

How is thrush treated in women or a review of drugs for thrush?

Preparations for the treatment of thrush (antifungal) are divided into several groups: for systemic use (tablets, capsules), for external use (ointment, cream), for topical use (, creams with an applicator for vaginal administration, vaginal tablets). A separate group are antifungal antibiotics - nystatin, amphotericin B.

- a representative of antifungal drugs of the triazole group. It inhibits the synthesis of certain components in the cells of the fungus (sterols) and blocks its reproduction.

In the pharmacy you can find several drugs that include fluconazole - Mikosist, Fluconazole (the name depends on the manufacturer's company). Indications for the appointment of fluconazole: candidiasis of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, genital tract, skin candidiasis.

In uncomplicated candidiasis, fluconazole is prescribed once at a dosage of 150 mg. With a recurrent form of infection - 150 mg 2-3 times with an interval of seven days. To reduce the frequency of relapses, 150 mg is used on the first day of the menstrual cycle for 6-12 months.

Fluconazole is contraindicated during lactation. During pregnancy, the drug is used with caution if this is the only way to cope with the infection. With caution, fluconazole is also prescribed to patients with severe liver and kidney disease.

- a synthetic antifungal agent, a derivative of triazoles.

It is prescribed for fungal lesions of any localization - skin, nails, mucous membranes, with systemic lesions.

Treatment regimens are selected individually, depending on the severity of the manifestation. For uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis, it is prescribed at a dose of 200 mg 2 times a day for one day or 200 mg 1 time per day for three days.

If the oral mucosa is affected, itraconazole is prescribed at a dosage of 100 mg 1 time per day for 15 days. In case of recurrent candidiasis, it is recommended to take itraconazole at a dose of 200 mg per day after the main course on the first day of the menstrual cycle for 6-12 cycles.

Itraconazole is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, children under three years of age. It is prescribed with caution to patients with heart and liver disease.

Pimafucin- natamycin. Available in the form of tablets, cream, suppositories. It is prescribed for the defeat of the skin and mucous membranes by fungi of the genus Candida.

Candles are prescribed in a dosage of one per day for 6 days. The cream is applied 2-3 times a day to the affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation.

gynofort- butoconazole, an antifungal drug, an imidazole derivative. Active against opportunistic flora, incl. and fungi of the genus Candida.

The drug is administered once intravaginally. Due to its basis, it is fixed on the mucous membrane for a long time, the effect lasts up to 7 days.

Butoconazole is contraindicated for use in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in case of individual intolerance to the components.

Antifungal drug, a derivative of imidazole and benzothiophene. It stops the growth and reproduction of the fungus by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol; the permeability of the cell wall increases and the fungal cell dissolves. It is prescribed only for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

It is used once, re-appointment is possible after seven days, if the symptoms of thrush persist.

During pregnancy and lactation, the use of sertaconazole is acceptable if the expected benefit to the mother is greater possible risk for fetus and child. Considering a single dose, minimal absorption and lack of systemic action, pregnancy and lactation are not a contraindication in the instructions.

How to treat thrush in women? In chronic recurrent candidiasis, it is recommended to determine the type of pathogen and its sensitivity to antimycotic drugs before starting treatment.

Timely identification and elimination of provoking factors will increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of relapse.

Gynofort is applied locally twice with a weekly interval or other local preparations for two weeks. Fluconazole is prescribed three times at a dose of 150 mg with an interval of seven days.

To prevent relapses, prophylactic fluconazole is prescribed on the first day of the menstrual cycle for six months, in severe forms - up to a year.

In severe cases of the disease, fluconazole is prescribed daily for a month at a dose of 50 mg in combination with local forms for a month.

Folk remedies for thrush in women

Thrush in women with folk remedies is treated only in combination with traditional medicines.

Only folk recipes are often powerless in the treatment, especially chronic thrush.

The most common are douching and washing with soda and decoctions of herbs. The question is quite extensive and deserves a separate article, now we will only highlight the main points.

To prepare a soda solution, you need to take 1 tablespoon of soda per 1 liter of water. The solution can be douched twice a day for at least 10 days or washed away before the introduction of vaginal suppositories.

Another method of treatment with folk remedies is decoctions and infusions of herbs. The list of herbs is large - chamomile, bast bark, calendula, nettle, etc. They are prepared at the rate of 2 tablespoons of dry raw materials per 1 liter of water. They are used like soda - twice a day for 10-14 days.

Prevention

Since candida lives on the skin and mucous membranes of most people, and it is pointless to take antifungal drugs prophylactically for everyone, other methods of prevention are needed.

All that is needed is to maintain the internal balance of the body, preventing the reproduction of conditionally pathogenic flora. The main preventive measures include:

Another important point in the prevention of candidiasis - taking antibacterial drugs only according to indications, taking into account the pathogen and in compliance with treatment regimens.

When starting the treatment of candidiasis, it should be remembered that the approach must be comprehensive. Only folk methods of treatment cannot guarantee a complete cure, as well as self-treatment with traditional drugs. Only a properly cured thrush will not return, or will not return soon!

Quite a lot of women know what thrush is, because this disease has become very common today.

This infectious disease has very unpleasant symptoms, and it is not so easy to treat it.

Candidiasis or thrush occurs in both women and men, so the treatment of thrush should be carried out together with your sexual partner.

Today we will tell you how to treat thrush correctly, and what standard treatment for thrush is recommended by doctors.

How to treat thrush correctly: treatment of thrush at home

If you have thrush or candidiasis, as doctors call this disease, both partners must undergo treatment.

Usually a man considers the treatment of thrush to be superfluous, because this disease may not manifest itself in him. It's a delusion. Even if the thrush does not appear in a man, it is not a fact that the fungus will still not affect his genitals.

mild form of thrush(candidiasis) is treated with topical antifungal drugs that are capable of destroying Candida fungi.

In the case when the thrush acquired chronic, it is necessary to treat the disease in combination with antimicrobial medicines of local, as well as internal use.

Remember effective treatment thrush at home is possible, but it should be borne in mind that candidiasis is a very insidious disease, therefore thrush should be treated after consulting a doctor Otherwise, you risk only aggravating your condition.

Today, pharmacies have a lot of medicines to fight thrush, but before you buy drugs and treat thrush, you need to pass tests and undergo a complete examination. This step is neglected by many for one reason or another.

If you have thrush, try to reduce the amount of carbohydrates, sweets, and also eliminate a large amount of bakery products from the diet.

Although many say that treating thrush at home according to grandmother's recipes is very effective method to get rid of the disease, be extremely careful with such methods.

Such treatment may not be carried out correctly, and you risk exacerbating the situation.
To treat thrush in folk ways, use douching with a solution of water and potassium permanganate, saline solutions and liquid containing soda etc.

Why candidiasis appears: causes of thrush

Thrush is an infectious disease that affects the upper part of the genital organs, both in men and in women, due to an increase in the number of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida.

Microorganisms of the genus Candida are not alien to our body and live in the woman's vagina, mouth, intestines and even on the skin.

But if the number of these microorganisms increases, they can not have the best effect on our health.

Most often, a fungal disease appears in our body due to a decrease in immunity.

Thrush is sexually transmitted, which is why it is recommended to treat thrush for both a man and a woman together. But do not worry, thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease.

Not only these causes of thrush are known. It turns out that thrush can occur due to frequent chronic infections.

Frequent use of contraceptives and antibiotics can provoke thrush. Thrush can occur with diabetes and pregnancy.

If you dig deeper, then vaginal candidiasis most often appears in women with a changeable and unstable hormonal background.

Changes in hormonal levels can increase the level of certain hormones that contribute to changes in the vaginal environment. So a moderately acidic environment can change to a strongly alkaline one. Such changes have a beneficial effect on the emergence of Candida fungi.

If you get sick and need to take antibiotics, remember that antibacterial drugs will kill not only harmful microorganisms, but also those that are beneficial. After taking antibiotics, the number of lactic acid sticks in your vagina and intestines will decrease. It is these beneficial bacteria that prevent fungi from multiplying.

How thrush reports itself: symptoms of thrush

The symptoms of thrush are very unpleasant and pronounced. Usually, thrush reports its appearance before menstruation and a woman feels the appearance of thrush most often on the genitals.

When the number of fungi of the genus Candida increases in the vagina, you will feel a very unpleasant burning sensation and severe itching in the intimate area. Itching on the genitals increase in the evening or after hot bath procedures.

A symptom of thrush is a change in the color of the genitals from pale pink to bright red.

In addition to a terrible burning sensation and unpleasant itching, there is pain in the genital area. Usually there is pain when urinating. It is worth noting that the thrush signals its appearance and unusual secretions, similar to the curd mass.

Intimacy will also be a test. Sexual intercourse will cause pain in the irritated mucous membrane of the genital organs.

And here symptoms of thrush in men does not always show up. But if the thrush in a man nevertheless made itself known, the symptoms will appear no less clearly.

With candidiasis in men, the glans penis and foreskin become very red and even covered with spots. This disease will not pass in men without itching, white plaque, burning and even swelling.

How to treat thrush correctly: treatment of thrush, which is prescribed by doctors

Treatment of thrush will only be effective if you do everything doctor's prescription and To follow the rules intimate hygiene .

Refuse proximity during the treatment of thrush, because you risk re-infecting pathogenic bacteria. Wash more often to reduce the amount of fungus in your vagina.

To achieve an alkaline reaction, add soda or furatsilin to the water, which will help calm the manifestation of thrush. Give up soap for a while. With thrush, soap will only irritate the mucous membrane.

Eat more fermented milk products and porridge. They will help stabilize the intestinal microflora, where Candida can also live.

When menstruating, you should not use tampons, and pads should be changed more often than usual.

If thrush is not properly treated, there is a risk of other more serious diseases of the genitourinary system, in particular inflammation of the urethra and Bladder, the spread of infection outside the intimate zone, lesions of the thrush of the skin and other mucous membranes, lesions of the cervix, etc.

Treatment of thrush: medicines for thrush

As we have said, the treatment of thrush is carried out with creams and tablets. You can also add vaginal suppositories to this list.

Treatment for mild thrush consists of vaginal suppositories and creams.
The most famous drugs for the treatment of thrush are clotrimazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, isoconazole, miconazole, natamycin, nystatin, their analogues, as well as preparations containing these substances. These medicines are available in creams, suppositories and tablets.

Doctors prescribe fluconazole in a capsule with a dosage of 150 mg orally to both men and women once if the thrush is mild.

If the thrush is running, you will have to drink fluconazole (150 mg) every week for a month. To combat thrush, an alternative drug, Itraconazole (Orungal), is also used.

To prevent thrush from appearing, it is necessary not only to cure thrush, but also to strengthen the immune system and take care of the hygiene of intimate organs.

List of drugs for the treatment of thrush, which are prescribed by doctors

When a couple is faced with the problem of candidiasis, usually the weaker half is to blame. Alas, the female body is more prone to the pathological development of the fungus. In the representatives of the stronger sex, the disease may not manifest itself, but doctors strongly advise women to be carried out at the same time. Otherwise, the infection will become cyclical: returning from an infected partner to a recovered one.

There is no universal therapeutic scheme and medicine. They are determined by the results of examination and questioning of patients, analysis of the flora and the characteristics of the course of the disease.

Thrush in a woman and a man: principles of joint therapy

It is important to understand that candidiasis is not a classic STD like gonorrhea. Yeast fungi in a small amount - one of the components of the microbiocenosis of the urogenital system healthy person. Under favorable conditions, the colony grows, the first diseases appear: hyperemia of the mucous membranes, curdled discharge, burning, itching. However, it is unacceptable to independently select from thrush, both for women and men.

In case of suspicion, it is necessary to act according to the algorithm.

Visit a doctor: a dermatovenereologist, therapist or narrow specialists (gynecologist and andrologist).
Refrain from a few days, then take a smear, culture or PCR.
Get an appointment.
Be treated strictly following the recommendations.
Re-take tests, get confirmation of a successful therapeutic result.
Don't forget about prevention.

It is better not to conduct experiments with men and women. The probability of completely getting rid of the fungus with the help of herbs, iodine and other miraculous methods is negligible. But there is a high risk of burning or drying out the mucous membrane, “driving” the disease inside, transferring from the acute stage to the chronic one.

Comprehensive treatment of thrush for men and women: drugs

Effective treatment involves several elements:

systemic effects on the fungal colony, as a rule, oral tablets are prescribed;
use of local funds;
restoration of healthy microflora of the affected areas;
immunotherapy;
relapse prevention.

Accurate and consistent implementation of all stages is the key to a complete recovery, if not quick.

Doctors consider antimycotics of the triazole category (based on fluconazole or itraconazole) to be the best tablets for thrush for men and women. The same active ingredients are presented by pharmaceutical manufacturers in other forms, such as injection solution, gel, vaginal suppositories, syrup.

The dosage and duration of the course of drugs are adjusted based on the dynamics and clinical picture of the fungal infection.

So, tablets (Diflucan, Mikosist, Futsis) are prescribed 150 mg for both partners. Multiplicity of receptions:

mild form of candidiasis - one time;
with a pronounced clinical picture - twice (with a time interval of 72 hours);
recurrent thrush - three times.

400 mg divided into 2 times a day;
600 mg (200 mg per dose) for 3 days.

In parallel, local treatment is carried out:

men are advised to lubricate the affected area with Ketocanozol ointment or treat with fluconazole preparations;
women are prescribed vaginal / tablets with fungistatic / fungicidal action.

Used to maintain immunity vitamin complexes(Vitrum, Centrum). The microflora is restored with the help of probiotics (Bifidumbacterin).

Triazoles are a popular, but not the only drug group of antimycotics. An alternative is nystatin, polyene antibiotics. Instead of suppositories and the use of creams, it is sometimes (rarely) recommended to wipe the genitals with Chlorhexidine, water procedures with additives of antiseptic solutions or herbs.

Often only one of the partners goes to the doctor, but this scenario is unacceptable. Firstly, thrush medicines for men and women differ in the form of release, if we consider the topical application of the drug, which means that the dosage must be adjusted. Secondly, the disease proceeds differently; when drawing up the scheme, the symptomatic component must be taken into account.

What is female thrush

In medicine, thrush is called vulvovaginal candidiasis. The most popular signs of this disease is frequent itching in the genital area.

It is especially intensified at the time of sleep, when a woman walks for a long time, after taking a shower or making love. Also, during intercourse, a girl may feel pain, small discharge, impaired urination, or the presence of copious curdled discharge. If a woman notices any signs in herself, then you should seek help from an experienced specialist.

Only in the event that all the recommendations received do not give any result, women turn to a doctor for help. But you should know that a neglected disease is much more difficult to cure than at an early stage.

Recently, there are three main forms:

candidacy;
acute candidiasis;
chronic candidiasis.

With candidacies, quite often a woman has no complaints about the presence of symptoms of thrush. If you conduct all the necessary research, you can notice mushrooms in a small amount. It is important to know that under certain conditions, candidacy has the ability to turn into a complex form of the disease. Also, the possibility of transmission of fungi from mother to child during pregnancy is not excluded. In addition, an infected partner can infect her man during intercourse.

The acute form of candidiasis is characterized by more pronounced symptoms of the disease. A woman can observe swelling, various redness and rashes. As a rule, the duration of diseases of the acute form of the disease does not exceed two months. And the chronic form of the disease passes for 3 months and has very pronounced signs of thrush

Causes that cause thrush

Thrush can occur for various reasons. Most often, this disease occurs during pregnancy. Indeed, during this difficult period in female body hormonal disruption and a decrease in immunity occur. As a result, all the necessary conditions for fungal growth.

In addition, antibiotics can cause thrush. So there are circumstances that while taking drugs, a woman rids the body not only of harmful bacteria, but also of beneficial microflora.

This microflora is lactobacilli. They are necessary for a full life. Lactobacilli live in the vagina and intestines. They control the growth of candida fungi.

If the body does not have the required amount of lactobacilli necessary for the body, then the fungi multiply, and their number is increasing every day. And all this leads to the formation of various diseases.

In the event that a girl’s diet contains a lot of sweet food, then the vaginal environment changes its acidity. Quite often, thrush worsens after intimacy with a man. In this case, thrush occurs as a result of the exchange of microflora.

Some representatives of a strong position are carriers of the fungus and do not even know about it. In the event that a woman is treated for a disease, and a man lets everything take its course, then the disease will return back. Also, the cause of thrush can be: wearing uncomfortable underpants, diabetes mellitus and hormonal drugs.

Symptoms of thrush in women

The main symptoms of thrush can be called:

bad smell, which increases after making love;
copious curdled discharge;
sometimes candidiasis of the genitals is combined with candidiasis of the urinary system;
frequent itching in the genital area;
change in hormonal balance;
weak immune system;
allergy.

Diagnosis of the disease

If characteristic symptoms of thrush occur, women need to undergo a thorough examination to accurately determine the diagnosis. For this purpose, it is necessary to conduct laboratory diagnostics, which allows you to determine the presence of fungus of the genus Candida using smears. Also, with the help of the survey, other diseases transmitted from a man to a woman can be excluded.

Diagnostics allows you to establish the state of the microflora, and to identify dysbacteriosis. For this reason alone, it is impossible to determine thrush only by your internal sensations. In addition, the diagnosis allows you to find other sexually transmitted infections, for the treatment of which specific therapy is required.

Quite often, in the process of laboratory diagnosis of thrush, the following can be used:

PCR diagnostics;
bacterial culture;
microscopy of a vaginal smear.

Preparations for the treatment of thrush

Vaginal suppositories - Pimafucin

Now there are many good medicines for the treatment of thrush. They are available in the form of suppositories, tablets and creams. Drugs are available without a doctor's prescription, and by prescription. However, in all these situations, positive results from treatment can be achieved under the close supervision of a physician.

If the thrush is mild, then it is enough to have a local treatment. Preparations for getting rid of thrush are: ointments and vaginal suppositories, which should include:

natamycin (Pimafucin);
clotrimazole (Kanesten, Candibede, Antifungol, Canizon);
ketoconazole (Nizoral, Brizoral, Vetozoral, Livarol);
nystatin (Terzhinan, Polygynax);
isoconazole (Ovulum, Gyno-travogen).

Modern drugs that are taken orally are rapidly absorbed. Of all the variety of antibiotics that exist today, preparations containing fluconazole are most widely used.

If the disease is mild, then only a single dose of flucanazole, 150 mg orally, is possible for local treatment. The most popular drugs are: Medoflucon, Diflucan, Forkan, Diflazon, Mikosist and Flucostat. If the disease is more severe, then the doctor prescribes Fluconazole for treatment. On average, the reception takes place once a week, and the treatment process itself reaches four weeks. An alternative to Fluconazole is Itraconazole.

It is important to know that many medicines there are contraindications. That is why it is more expedient to take only those drugs that have been prescribed by a specialist.

How to treat thrush at home

Common methods of treating vulvovaginal candidiasis at home are:

soda;
herbal tinctures;
essential oils;
laundry soap.

To get rid of thrush on your own, you must first correctly prepare a home solution. For this purpose it is necessary to have a liter warm water, in which you must first dissolve a tablespoon of soda and a teaspoon of iodine. This special solution has antifungal and disinfecting effects. That is why it quickly helps to cure the symptoms of this disease.

Sitting bath with soda

We make a solution: 1 liter of warm water and a tablespoon of soda. The procedure time is 10-15 minutes. It is done when chronic or recurrent candidiasis subsides.

In medicine, it is suggested to treat the fungus with herbal tinctures. They are easy and simple to make at home. They are best used in the form of tea, solution for washing and douching. Most often, douching occurs using birch buds, chamomile and juniper. For about a week, they help normalize the intestinal microflora, relieving inflammation.

Oak bark, sage, chamomile and are perfect for treatment. All this you need to take one tablespoon, pour a liter of boiling water and insist overnight. After that, you can wash yourself with this solution or douche. You can also take juniper, poplar buds, chamomile, and sage.

Excellent and fast way thrush can be cured with essential oil antifungal agents: myrrh and tea tree. It is important to know that this is a concentrated substance and it can easily burn the mucous membrane. It is for this reason that it must be well diluted before the procedure. To cure thrush, you need to mix two drops of oil with a teaspoon of vodka and dilute it all in 0.5 liter of water. After that, the solution should be used as a wash.

It is also easy to get rid of the annoying symptoms of thrush with the help of laundry soap. For this purpose, you should first grind the soap to fine crumbs, and then pour boiling water until a liquid mass is formed. The resulting mixture should be used as a douche. After the procedure, you need to lie down for 10 minutes, and then repeat the treatment process to obtain a positive result.

If this method of treatment seems doubtful to people, then in this case you can take the advice of a doctor and treat the disease even in the chronic phase by washing with laundry soap twice a day.

It is important to remember that treating thrush on your own can only eliminate the symptoms of the disease, and not the disease itself. That is why it is better to seek help from a doctor as soon as the first signs appear.

Thrush or candidiasis in women- a disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida. If these microorganisms have developed on the mucous membrane of the vagina and external genital organs, then they speak of vaginal candidiasis.

This disease affects not only women childbearing age who lead an active sex life, but also young girls, and those who have reached respectable years. The reason is simple: candidiasis occurs not only after contact with a sick sexual partner. It can be the result of active reproduction of Candida, which used to be part of the normal microflora.

With candidiasis, women complain of abundant cheesy discharge from the vagina and itching in the genital area. According to statistics, 70% of gynecologist patients who come with such problems are diagnosed with thrush. This disease is not a sexually transmitted disease. Compared to them, it is less dangerous and much easier to treat.

The disease affects women on all continents, regardless of age and wealth. Moreover, the incidence in hot countries is higher. Statistics say that city dwellers suffer more from candidiasis. 30-40% of women have had thrush during pregnancy. During this period, the risk of getting sick increases by 2-3 times.

75% of the fair sex suffered candidiasis, and most of them repeatedly. Since this disease has an unpleasant property to return. So in 5% the diagnosis is recurrent candidiasis. In this case, exacerbations occur 4 or more times a year.

In recent years, the number of cases of thrush has steadily increased. This is due to the uncontrolled use of antibiotics and a decrease in the level of immunity. If you do not treat thrush in time, then from a small ailment it can turn into a serious problem when fungi affect most of the internal organs.

The composition of the normal microflora of the vagina and external genitalia

The genital organs of girls begin to be colonized by microorganisms within a few hours after birth. This is the moment when the microflora begins to form. From the first day of life in the vagina and on the external genital organs constantly live different kinds bacteria. There are more than 60 of them. Usually these microorganisms do not cause disease and do not harm the body.

This set varies depending on the woman's age, the phase of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the presence of a permanent sexual partner. Periodically, pathogenic bacteria enter the vagina. But if their number is not large, then representatives of the microflora and immunity cells destroy these microorganisms.

The vagina contains:

lactobacilli
bifidobacteria
enterococci
clostridia
coagulase-negative staphylococci
coliform bacteria
candida

Most microorganisms in the body healthy woman make up various types of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria - up to 90%. They provide an optimal level of acidity pH up to 3.8–4.5 (in adult women). If their number falls, then the vaginal environment becomes slightly alkaline and the pH exceeds 6. This leads to the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria and the development of inflammatory processes.

In almost 80% of cases, Candida is present in the microflora of a woman. They are represented by single inactive round cells and do not form filaments of mycelium (pseudo-mycelium).

Normal microflora in a woman's body performs important functions:

Releases beneficial enzymes that provide the necessary acidity
Promotes the formation of vitamins
Supports the tension of local immunity
Prevents the penetration of foreign bacteria that can cause disease.

The microflora of the vagina has a balanced composition. At the same time, some bacteria regulate the number of others. So lactic acid bacteria produce acid, which inhibits the excessive reproduction of Candida. Therefore, normal fungi contained in the vagina do not cause thrush.

Causes of thrush

Why thrush occurs is one of the most common questions in women. After all, this problem is very common. Unpleasant sensations arise at the most inopportune moment. This fungal disease nullifies intimate relationships and spoils everyday life.

You can get candidiasis from a sexual partner. Especially if a man has obvious signs of this disease or he is a carrier of fungi. However, this reason is far from the most common. Much more often, thrush occurs as a result of a decrease in immunity and a violation of the natural balance of the microflora of the genital organs.

There are many factors that provoke the development of vaginal candidiasis in women.

Decreased body defenses as a result of chronic diseases or after infections.
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy and before menstruation.
Hormonal changes at menopause.
The use of hormonal contraceptives.
Long-term use of antibiotics, corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs.
Intestinal dysbacteriosis, while fungi can be introduced into the vagina.
climate change, which entails adaptation to new conditions, the composition of water.
Use of intimate hygiene products: intimate gels, soaps, shower gels containing a lot of alkali and fragrances.
Using panty liners. They violate the access of air to the genitals, increases humidity.
Deodorized tampons and pads cause allergic reactions and disrupt the condition of the mucosa.
Wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics, narrow and tight. The most common culprit for thrush is thongs.
Food rich in confectionery and carbohydrate dishes, strong coffee, carbonated drinks, yeast baked goods, spicy and fatty delicacies, ketchup and mayonnaise.
Avitaminosis entails a decrease in the body's resistance and a deterioration in the condition of the skin and mucous membranes.
Obesity- Favorable conditions for the reproduction of fungi are created in the folds of the body.
Metabolic disorders. A prime example is diabetes mellitus. It not only weakens local immunity, but also increases the amount of carbohydrates in cells, which is a good breeding ground for microorganisms.
Smoking causes vasospasm and disrupts blood circulation, including in the genitals.
Sexual intercourse with a dry vagina and other actions that can lead to the appearance of microtraumas on the genital mucosa. Through them, Candida can penetrate deep into the tissues.
chronic stress, strong mental and physical exercise, fatigue, lack of sleep.

The action of these factors leads to the fact that the number of lactobacilli that create a protective microfilm is reduced. They secrete less lactic acid, and an alkaline environment forms in the vagina. Fungi and other bacteria penetrate the cells of the mucous membrane and thin skin of the external genitalia. There they begin to multiply actively, feeding on glycogen and destroying host cells. In the absence of treatment, the inflammatory process gradually spreads.

What are the symptoms of thrush and what are they associated with?

Pain during intercourse.
Most often, Candida reproduction begins on the vaginal mucosa. They destroy the upper epithelial cells, gradually affecting the deeper layers. In this case, the smallest lesions resembling sores are formed. The mucous membrane of the vaginal walls becomes inflamed and painful. Therefore, during intercourse, a woman experiences pain and other unpleasant sensations.

Swelling of the genitals.
Inflammation causes the walls of the vagina to swell. This is due to the fact that small vessels on the surface of the mucosa expand. In this way, the body tries to eliminate the toxins released by Candida. Blood circulation is enhanced, and the tissue of the genital organs is saturated with fluid that has escaped through the walls of the capillaries.

White coating and cheesy discharge.
Gradually, the number of fungi increases and colonies grow. They look like a whitish coating on the genitals. An inflammatory process begins, which is accompanied by abundant discharge from the vagina. They look like white curdled masses or curdled milk. These are mainly fungal mycelium, leukocytes and damaged mucosal cells.

Itching and burning.
Candida feed on glycogen stores in cells. When this carbohydrate is broken down, acids are formed. Just they cause itching and burning in the vagina and irritate the skin of the genital organs damaged by Candida, while the woman feels severe discomfort. These symptoms are worse after urinating or washing. Therefore, every time the skin in this area must be dried. Preferably with soft paper towels, so as not to further injure.

Rash with thrush.
The inflammatory process in thrush also extends to the vestibule of the vagina, large and small labia. On the skin of the genital organs, the epidermis is stratified as a result of the activity of fungi, and small burgundy pimples-vesicles with liquid contents inside are formed - vesicles. After a day or two, they burst and small erosions and crusts form in their place.

Spread to nearby skin areas.
Signs of candidiasis: redness, small rash, itching, white plaque formation can also occur in the perineum, on the skin of the intergluteal and inguinal folds. More often this form of the disease occurs in women with excess weight.

Deterioration of the general condition.
Itching, constant discomfort and unpleasant sensations cause nervousness, bouts of bad mood, as well as sleep disturbance. The latter is due to the fact that the burning sensation intensifies at night. Unpleasant symptoms increase after a long walk and during menstruation.

Urethritis and cystitis in thrush.
Frequent urination and the appearance of pain indicates that Candida has penetrated the urinary system and caused urethritis and cystitis. Another sign that the inflammatory process has spread to other organs is the appearance of aching pains in the lower abdomen. In this case, an increase in temperature is possible. If you notice such symptoms, then be sure to consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.

Diagnosis of thrush

If you notice signs of thrush in yourself, contact your gynecologist. This is especially necessary if the appearance of discomfort was preceded by unprotected sexual contact. The fact is that the symptoms of candidiasis are in many ways similar to the manifestations of dangerous sexually transmitted infections. In addition, the mucous membrane damaged by fungi becomes vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, taking only antifungal drugs is not enough. A visit to a specialist is mandatory if signs of thrush reappear soon after treatment. Otherwise, the disease can become chronic.

In order to clarify the diagnosis, the doctor takes a smear of the contents from the vagina. Flora smear (gynecological smear, bacterioscopy) necessary to determine the composition of the microflora and the presence of pathogenic bacteria. AT ideal in the analysis should be 90% lactobacilli. Gardnerella and Candida can be in single copies. And such microorganisms as Trichomonas, should not be.

In the laboratory, a sample of the contents of the vagina is examined under a microscope and the number of immune cells of leukocytes and bacteria, the presence of pseudomycelium Candida are determined.

In some cases, carry out culture of microflora on special nutrient media. As a result, it is possible to determine which of the 150 Candida species caused inflammation, to which drugs these microorganisms are most sensitive. This must be done if a woman suffers from recurrent thrush.

Also an informative method of research is colposcopy - examination of the vagina with a special device called a colposcope. The doctor applies Lugol's solution to the walls of the vagina. If after that small inclusions in the form of semolina are clearly visible on them, then this indicates the presence of thrush.

If necessary, the doctor prescribes an additional study for sexually transmitted infections, a stool test for dysbacteriosis, an immunogram, an analysis aimed at detecting diabetes mellitus - a glycemic profile with a load.

In the event that the gynecologist believes that chronic diseases provoke thrush, he will advise you to contact a therapist, endocrinologist or immunologist.

How to treat thrush

Local therapy of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system not only allows you to destroy pathogens, but also inevitably leads to an imbalance in the beneficial microflora of the vagina and a decrease in local immunity. If you do not make a quick recovery of lactoflora, activation of conditionally pathogenic microflora is possible, which will lead to an exacerbation of thrush or bacterial infections. For the same reason, antifungal therapy for vaginal candidiasis may not be effective enough. Therefore, after the first stage of treatment aimed at eradicating the infection, it is important to carry out the second stage - to restore the balance of beneficial microflora with the help of Lactoginal capsules. This is the only tribiotic drug registered in the Russian Federation. Laktozhinal quickly restores pH, vaginal microflora and protects against re-exacerbation of bacterial vaginosis and thrush for a long time. Two-stage therapy has recently become the gold standard for the treatment of conditions accompanied by pathological discharge. Many experts believe that only this method can provide a pronounced and long-term therapeutic effect, strengthen local immunity, which serves as a prevention of subsequent exacerbations.

How to treat thrush during pregnancy?

Treatment must necessarily take place under the supervision of a gynecologist. He prescribes drugs that are not toxic, are little absorbed into the blood, do not harm the child and have the maximum therapeutic effect. Almost always, this local treatment is Pimafucin suppositories. The drug causes the destruction of the walls of the fungal cell and leads to its death. This tool can be used both in the first weeks and immediately before childbirth.

Another drug allowed during pregnancy is Terzhinan. It contains the antifungal antibiotic Nystatin. But besides this, it contains substances that fight bacteria. You can supplement the treatment with a complex of vitamins to maintain immunity.

Drugs in tablets that have a systemic effect on the body are usually not used.

During pregnancy, it is better to refrain from douching. With the pressure of the liquid, you can bring the infection into the uterine cavity. This procedure can only be prescribed by a doctor in exceptional cases. Instead of douching, it is better to use a weak soda solution, decoctions of chamomile and calendula for washing.

What suppositories are effective for the treatment of thrush?

Candles and vaginal tablets for the treatment of thrush are topical treatments. They are prescribed when the lesions are not deep and there are no complications. Here is a list of the most effective remedies for thrush. The active ingredient is indicated in the arches.

Pimafucin (Natamycin) - the least toxic. Can be used during pregnancy. Causes the death of various fungi. Candles are used before bedtime. They quickly relieve symptoms, but treatment must be continued for another 2-3 days after improvement. The average course is 3-6 days.

Antifungol, Yenamazol 100, Candibene, Kanesten, Canizon, (Clotrimazole) its components dissolve the Candide shell. Candles or vaginal tablets are inserted into the vagina 1 time per day at bedtime. The course of treatment is 6-7 days.

Gino-Travogen Ovulum (Isoconazole) disrupts the permeability of the cell wall of fungi. It has an antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect. Quickly eliminates itching. It is used to treat forms of fungi that are resistant to other agents. A suppository (candle) is inserted deep into the vagina at bedtime once a day. The course of treatment is 3 days.

Ginezol 7, Gino-Daktarin, Klion-D 100 (Miconazole) - destroys fungi and some bacteria. Treatment is carried out for 14 days. One suppository deep into the vagina at bedtime.

Polygynax, Terzhinan (Nystatin) - these vaginal tablets must be moistened before insertion into the vagina.
Use one before bed for 10 days.
It should be noted that slight itching and other discomfort may occur for up to two weeks after treatment.

What pills are effective in the treatment of thrush?

Treatment of thrush with pills has several advantages. You will get rid of unpleasant symptoms in 1-3 days. While the treatment with suppositories, vaginal tablets and gels takes an average of a week. Taking tablets provides a comprehensive treatment of fungi in all organs. Therefore, the likelihood of recurrence of thrush is reduced. If the course of the disease is mild, then one drug will be enough. Otherwise, you will need to take several antifungal agents. different groups. To enhance the effect and get rid of itching, additional local treatment is prescribed in the form of creams or suppositories.

There are several types of drugs designed to fight fungi. They have different mechanisms of action, but they all lead to the death of Candida and the destruction of their mycelium.

Here is a list of substances that destroy fungi and preparations based on them:

Fluconazole (Diflucan, Mikosist, Medoflukon, Forkan) - a single dose of 150 mg of the drug is enough.

Ketoconazole (Ketoconazole, Nizoral) - 1-2 tablets per day. Course 5 days.

Natamycin (Pimafucin) - 1 tablet for 3-5 days.

Miconazole (Miconazole, Mikatin, Funginazole) - take 1 tablet for three days.

Nystatin (Nystatin) - 1 tablet 4 times a day. The duration of treatment is 10-14 days.

These drugs should not be taken to treat thrush in pregnant women. To prevent exacerbations of candidiasis in the future, it is desirable that both sexual partners undergo treatment.

How to treat thrush at home?

Treatment of thrush almost always occurs at home. Ideally, it should be done after consulting a doctor. Facilities traditional medicine have many advantages. They have no side effects, are non-toxic and completely safe. However, in terms of the speed of treatment, they significantly lose to drugs.

Washing and douching with soda solution are used to relieve itching and prevent bacterial complications. In 0.5 liters of warm boiled water, you need to dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day.

Such a composition has a strong antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect. Take 5 tablespoons of the collection from equal parts of oak bark, pharmacy chamomile, nettle and knotweed. Pour in a liter of water and bring to a boil. Cool, strain and use for douching in the morning and evening.

Tampons with sea buckthorn oil heal erosion on the mucosa and relieve inflammation. Soak a swab from several layers of gauze with pharmaceutical sea buckthorn oil and insert overnight.

Tampons with garlic butter effectively get rid of Candida. To prepare the product, it is necessary to peel and chop 5 large cloves of garlic and pour 50 ml of refined vegetable oil. Leave for 3 hours, mix and strain. Soak a tampon with this product and insert it into the vagina for 2 hours. If there is a strong burning sensation, then the procedure must be stopped. Garlic phytoncides are a very powerful tool. Therefore, it is recommended to eat a few cloves daily.

To restore the normal microflora of the vagina, tampons with bifidumbacterin are used. Dilute an ampoule of this drug in a tablespoon of refined vegetable oil. Soak a tampon and insert into the vagina for 1 hour. American doctors recommend lubricating the mucosa with pure natural yogurt without flavorings. It can be a pure culture of lactobacilli, which are sold in a pharmacy.

If you do not have an allergy to honey, then you can dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:10 and lubricate the affected areas of the mucosa.

For washing, use tar soap or brown laundry soap. Its components prevent the growth of microorganisms.

In order for the thrush not to return after a while, it is necessary to continue the procedure for another 2-3 days after the symptoms of the disease disappear. Folk remedies are best used as an addition to the treatment prescribed by the doctor.

What drugs should be used to treat thrush?

To get rid of thrush forever, one drug is not enough. It is necessary to reduce the number of Candida to normal levels, to cure the damage to the mucous membrane that arose as a result of the disease. After that, you can begin to normalize the microflora in order to increase the number of lactobacilli. It also needs to strengthen the immune system.

Therefore, for the complex treatment of thrush, various groups of drugs are used.

Antifungals (antimycotics) destroy the bulk of Candida. These are funds based on Fluconazole, Clotrimazole, Iconazole, Ketoconazole. In the form of suppositories and creams for local treatment of the genital organs, as well as in the form of tablets and capsules for oral administration.

Antibiotics to treat thrush fight not only with Candida, but also with some bacteria that join during candidiasis. They are also available for topical and general treatment.

macrolide antibiotics: Pimafucin, Natamycin

Triazole antibiotics: Flucostat, Mikosist

Polyene antibiotics: Nystatin, Levorin

Combination drugs are drugs that contain several types of antibiotics. It also contains the hormone prednisolone for quick relief from itching, pain and inflammation. These are funds in the form of ointments and vaginal tablets Terzhinan, Neo-Penotran, Polygynax.

Probiotics normalize the composition of the microflora of the vagina and the level of acidity. They also often contain components to restore the mucous membrane of the vagina and external genitalia. These are vaginal tablets and suppositories with a complex of lacto and bifidobacteria: Gynoflor, Ecofemin, Vaginorm C and Vagilak, as well as Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin.

Immunomodulators or immunocorrectors prescribed to strengthen general immunity. Its task is to restrain the growth of Candida after the treatment is discontinued. These are oral tablets Likopid and rectal suppositories Viferon, Methyluracil.

Is fluconazole effective for thrush?

Modern antifungal drugs allow you to get rid of thrush in one day. In most cases, a single dose of Fluconazole 150 mg capsule is sufficient to eradicate the fungal infection. If a woman suffers from recurrent thrush, then it will be necessary to take one capsule once a week or a month for 6-12 months. The doctor selects the scheme individually.

For a quick recovery, it is desirable to combine systemic treatment with Fluconazole capsules and local treatment: suppositories with antifungal and anti-inflammatory drugs, the use of creams and douching.

Various pharmaceutical companies produce preparations based on Fluconazole: Diflazon, Diflucan, Mikosist, Medoflucon, Forkan, Flucostat. The active ingredient in these medicines disrupts metabolic processes in fungi, which leads to their death. The drug is well absorbed into the blood and enters all organs, where it accumulates in the required amount. Thus, these drugs rid the body of any diseases caused by fungi.

With vaginal candidiasis after taking Fluconazole, a woman usually notices a significant improvement within a day. But full recovery occurs in 3-4 days. If a week after taking the drug you continue to be disturbed by the manifestations of thrush, then you need to re-consult a doctor.

There are several reasons why taking a Fluconazole capsule has not worked. This can happen if the fungi have developed resistance and are not sensitive to it. Other drugs may reduce the effectiveness of fluconazole while taking it. For example, the antibiotic Rifampicin. In some cases, a single dose is not enough. It is required to take one more capsule on the third and on the seventh day of treatment.
It must be remembered that Fluconazole has contraindications and serious side effects. Therefore, it must be taken on the recommendation of a doctor.

What are the traditional methods of treating thrush?

For the treatment of thrush in women, traditional medicine recipes are successfully used. They have significantly fewer contraindications and side effects than traditional medicines. However, even natural ingredients can cause an allergic reaction. Douching is generally not recommended for pregnant women. Keep this in mind during treatment.

St. John's wort is an excellent remedy against thrush due to its astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The high content of phytoncides guarantees getting rid of bacteria and fungi of the Candida genus. A decoction of St. John's wort is used for douching. To prepare it, take 3-4 tablespoons of herbs, pour boiling water in the amount of 1.5-2 liters. After that, let the medicine brew for 1.5-2 hours. It is necessary to douche with this infusion 4 times a day.

have long been used infusion of sage and raspberry leaves rich in estrogens and anti-inflammatory components.

How to use: mix sage with raspberry leaves in equal proportions - 2 tablespoons of each herb. Then pour the mixture with a liter of boiling water. We expect 20 minutes for brewing, then we filter the infusion through a sieve or gauze. Let the product cool down to room temperature. It is used for douching 2-3 times a day. For greater effectiveness, you can add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per liter of product.

Oak bark- an effective way to get rid of thrush. The decoction has a strong antimicrobial effect, soothes inflammation and protects the genital mucosa from deep damage. To prepare a decoction, you need to take three parts of oak bark, one part of a string and one part of lavender. To prepare, pour one tablespoon of a mixture of herbs with 150 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 2 hours. After this, the broth must be filtered and poured into it the same amount of boiling water. Douche with this composition 2 times a day.

Cranberry and viburnum- universal assistants in the fight against thrush. The polyphenols contained in these berries stop the growth of yeast fungi, alleviate manifestations and strengthen the body. Juices from cranberries or viburnum will prevent the development of thrush. But the main requirement is the use of only unsweetened juice. The presence of sugar has the opposite effect and the fungus develops even more intensively.

You need to drink juices 3 times a day, 2 tablespoons. You can add the same amount of water. For douching, take 1 tablespoon of strained juice in a glass of warm water.

Answers to frequently asked questions:

Can you get pregnant with thrush?

A woman who has an exacerbation of thrush can become pregnant. The processes that occur during candidiasis and the acid secreted by fungi can slightly impair the viability of spermatozoa. But if their number is large, and the mobility is high, then fertilization will still occur.

It is desirable that the woman at the time of pregnancy was absolutely healthy. But still, this disease does not pose a serious danger to the fetus. Unlike, for example, rubella.

Is it possible to have sex with thrush?

With thrush, sex is not recommended. This is due to the fact that with vaginal candidiasis, the mucosa becomes swollen and covered with erosions. During sex, she is traumatized. This contributes to the penetration of fungi into deeper layers and the attachment of a bacterial infection. In addition, during and after sexual intercourse, pain and itching in the genitals increase.

Is it possible to douche with thrush?

You can douche with thrush. This helps to cleanse the walls of the vagina from fungi and cheesy plaque. Various medicines can get rid of itching and inflammation. Most often, a weak soda solution, decoctions of chamomile and calendula are used.

Is it possible to use kefir or cottage cheese with thrush?

Kefir or cottage cheese contain a large number of lactic acid bacteria, which normally make up the bulk of the microflora. With thrush, their number decreases sharply. Therefore, the use of such products restores balance and will be very beneficial. It is necessary to include fresh kefir and natural yoghurts with a short shelf life and a minimum sugar content in the diet. They provide the most benefit.

Prevention of thrush in women

Prevention of candidiasis is based on the general strengthening of immunity. It is also necessary to strictly observe personal hygiene, the meaning of which is to maintain the normal microflora of the vagina. Gynecologists recommend using high acidity gels for washing, which include lactic acid and with a minimum amount of flavors.

Wear natural fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. But tight skinny jeans provoke the development of the disease.

You can get infected with thrush in pools and baths, where there are a lot of people and bleach affects the skin. If you notice such a tendency in yourself, then avoid visiting these places.

Eat more vegetables, fruits and dairy products. This will help keep the number of lactobacilli normal. Avoid uncontrolled use of medicines and do not forget about preventive visits to the doctor.

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE USE.

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